







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| The rice section is over there. | |
| Oh god, it's the second thing I hate doing in the kitchen! | |
| When you stop believing we can get a house in Mayfair for 2,400! | |
| Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | |
| Right! Who wants chardonnay, then? | |
| Alright, I think I know who he is... | |
| Yeah, the packet is ripped, but it's not overdue. | |
| Yes, I think she's great! | |
| Last night we were open till very late, and you know her excuse. | |
| Do you have any area in mind? | |
| I like the seafood restaurants there. | |
| Are you going to say sorry for saying I am stupid then? | |
| Do you want to bet on it? | |
| It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
| I only have 3 hours today. | |
| Isn't that funny? | |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | |
| Yeah, and the market is good, is Camden Lock in zone-2 or 3? | |
| Yeah, I've got it! | |
| That one is a single room, I want a double. | |